World Car Fans: Baby Buick Spied With Less Camouflage

[cire]

I think this is shaping up to be one nice compact sedan for Buick. It is clearly a sedan version of the new Astra, but it appears that GM took a little more effort in ensuring that the front end treatment fit in with the Enclave and 2010 LaCrosse. I provided a link to the article below (Sorry! I'm not sure how to import photos).

Link: Baby Buick Spied With Less Camouflage, Source: World Car Fans

P.S. I am disappointed that I don't see any ventiports.

P.S.S. I also don't want to see this nice looking sedan carry the "Verano" name. I would still settle for "Vectra", personally.

[Paolino]

Not bad. I still need to see what differentiates this from a Cruze.

[Blake Noble]

Not bad. I still need to see what differentiates this from a Cruze.

As far as sheetmetal goes, you can tell there are a lot of differences from the spy pics.

It's basically an Astra with a boot and Buick grille.

Edited November 7, 2009 by whiteknight

[ZL-1]

Enough differentiation from the Cruze on the looks deprtment IMO. Different headlights, front bumper/grille, and hood compared to the Opel Astra. Interior looks exactly the same to my eyes.

[ocnblu]

cire, look a bit closer at the hood. It appears to me to be "bumps" on the hood in the same place as the new LaCrosse ventiports.

This thing as a coupe in a sporty trim level could be cool with turbo 2.0/six speed auto. (I have even less hope for a manual transmission.)

[cire]

cire, look a bit closer at the hood. It appears to me to be "bumps" on the hood in the same place as the new LaCrosse ventiports.

This thing as a coupe in a sporty trim level could be cool with turbo 2.0/six speed auto. (I have even less hope for a manual transmission.)

Yeah, I guess I missed them. I went back and looked at the pictures. It's obvious that the ventiports are there in the shot where the 2 sedans (one with foglights and one without) are sitting side by side. That's definitely a relief.

Overall, this design seems more upscale and flowing than the Cruze. The only aspect that bothers me is the taillight elements; they look a little downmarket for a premium segment compact sedan. Other than that, the exterior design looks completely appropriate. I love the Buick-ized front end treatment. The shape of the grille and headlights are wonderful.

The interior looks identical to the Astra 5-door, which is great. The only aspect about it that I don't like is the red trim on the dashboard and door panels; it looks kind of garish. I'm sure that red trim can be avoided with other interior color choices though.

I would still love to see the Astra 5-door make an appearance in the U.S. also.

[ocnblu]

Well, to me, the taillights look like junior LaCrosse units.

[Intrepidation]

The last gen Accord called and wants its tail lights back.

Otherwise it looks fairly promising.

[regfootball]

the sides look too much like a Hyundai which should not be the point.

I too think we need the 3 door and 5 door to round this out. the 3 door is sexy. the 5 door is sleek. this thing is frumpy. at least they seem to have kept the opel interior, albeit the detroit beancounters will probably choose to slath it in cheap north american plastic with huge panel gaps.

[pow]

Space-efficient family hatchbacks usually don't make good-looking sport sedans... see Jetta vs. Golf.

[cire]

Well, to me, the taillights look like junior LaCrosse units.

The shape of the taillights is fine, but the interior elements look like they belong on a cheaper car. Maybe the actual production sedan will have better elements. I would either like to see LEDs or at least something that has a clearer, jewel like appearance to it. GM appears to have done such a great job with this car overall, I would hate to see them cheap out on this one detail.

[Robert Hall]

the sides look too much like a Hyundai which should not be the point.

I too think we need the 3 door and 5 door to round this out. the 3 door is sexy. the 5 door is sleek. this thing is frumpy. at least they seem to have kept the opel interior, albeit the detroit beancounters will probably choose to slath it in cheap north american plastic with huge panel gaps.

I can't imagine Americans buying Buick hatchbacks here...I would assume this will be only in sedan form w/ an automatic.

[Delta Force79]

I too see previous gen Accord in the tail. Too Japanese looking from the rear IMO, although that seems to be the safest route to take to better compete with the competition as it stands today. I hope that eventually once GM can afford to take more chances they will branch out and design cars that are truly world class but unmistakably American and unmistakably General Motors.

[Paolino]

As far as sheetmetal goes, you can tell there are a lot of differences from the spy pics.

It's basically an Astra with a boot and Buick grille.

I'm not saying on looks... I want to know engine/package-wise/options, what will differentiate it. Being that the Cruze is supposed to be a little more premium than the Cobalt, I'm wondering how it'll differ from this.

[vonVeezelsnider]

Looks like it's gonna be a Baby LaCrosse with an Astra greenhouse.

[cire]

I'm not saying on looks... I want to know engine/package-wise/options, what will differentiate it. Being that the Cruze is supposed to be a little more premium than the Cobalt, I'm wondering how it'll differ from this.

As far as engines go, I would be happy with the 2.4L DI 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

[CSpec]

I think this car actually looks pretty good. It has sort of an Elantra vibe, bit I think that's one of the better looking compact sedans of the past couple of years. The taillights are more Lacrosse than anything else.

[cire]

I can't imagine Americans buying Buick hatchbacks here...I would assume this will be only in sedan form w/ an automatic.

I know I'm in the minority here, but I think the 2010 Opel Astra 5-door would have made a nice Pontiac LeMans. Since the grille, headlights, and taillights look significantly different from the Astra based sedan that Buick is getting, I think the 2 models could have been sold in the same dealer network without directly competing or overlapping. To me, the 2010 Astra 5-door looks sportier and a much better fit for Pontiac than the Toyota derived Vibe ever did. I still think GM (or the government or both) gave up on Pontiac too fast. The upcoming Astra 3-door/5-door (LeMans), Insignia sedan (Grand Prix), and Holden Commodore (Bonneville) would have made a nice 3-car lineup for Pontiac. The upcoming Astra sedan (Centieme?, Vectra?, or Regal?), the 2010 LaCrosse (which I still think should have been called Invicta or LeSabre), and a fullsize Epsilon-Plus based sedan (Invicta or LaCrosse, whichever name wasn't used on the 2010 LaCrosse) would be joined by 2 or 3 crossovers to form Buick's lineup. From what I understand, GM is going to try to market the Insignia based Regal as a sports sedan; maybe they would have had an easier time with this if it was the Pontiac Grand Prix instead.

To me,

This: 2010 Opel Astra Wallpaper, Source: Net Car Show

which represents Pontiac much better than

This: 2009 Pontiac Vibe Wallpaper, Source: Net Car Show

&

This: 2009 Opel Insignia Wallpaper, Source: Net Car Show

which would make a more appropriate Pontiac midsize sedan than

This: 2009 Pontiac G6 Wallpaper, Source: Net Car Show

Plus

This: 2008 Pontiac G8 Wallpaper, Source: Net Car Show

which made an appropriate flagship sedan for the brand (although it should have been called "Bonneville"

=

a nice niche lineup for Pontiac.

[smk4565]

Why does the interior look like it came from a Mazda or Mitsubishi?

They have made a more Asian looking Cruze, and it doesn't look at all luxurious. GM keeps saying Buick is a luxury brand, but the interior of this looks like a Lancer or Mazda 3 and not like a Lexus or Lincoln.

And who are they kidding with that spoiler. First off it is a Buick, it shouldn't have a spoiler, secondly, it is front drive, a rear spoiler on a front wheel drive car makes no sense.

Edited November 9, 2009 by smk4565

[Intrepidation]

The interior is from the new Astra:

[Paolino]

I could definitely live with that

[SAmadei]

The interior is from the new Astra:

Are the seat inserts faux woodgrain or real wood? ;-) It would be like driving while sitting on a desk.

[silverss/sc]

^^ That interior pic is heavily under the influence of photoshop

[cavalier36]

Not bad. I still need to see what differentiates this from a Cruze.

some sheetmetal and the interior is diffrent. other than that its the same. you have to expect that since it will be assembled in the same assembly plant.

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Buick's "Premium" Compact Sedan Spied with Less Camouflage in China:( new photos)

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/12/buick-compact-sedan-spied-with-less.html

[vonVeezelsnider]

Judging by the latest pictures I view the Cruze to be a much more attractive design.

[ZL-1]

Only think I dislike is that the chrome eyebrows on the tail lights extend inward more than the tail lights themselves... I would have preferred something like the chrome eyebrows on the LaCrosse.

[Paolino]

Only think I dislike is that the chrome eyebrows on the tail lights extend inward more than the tail lights themselves... I would have preferred something like the chrome eyebrows on the LaCrosse.

+1

[hyperv6]

The interior is from the new Astra:

<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/028_2010opelastra.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />

I love this interior with this color.

I do have issues with all the buttons. I drove a new Nox with a center stack similar to this. It works fine once you know where to go but that first few times you reall have to look for what you want.

I know the press will list the number of buttons as a problem.

Not a deal breaker but just something people who test drive these will notice on a first drive.

I will hate cleaning the little window infront of the mirror. But it would make the perfect window to smash to break in!

Edited December 11, 2009 by hyperv6

[wskikevin]

Bring this to the STATES! nuff said.

[regfootball]

<!--quoteo(post=553193:date=Nov 7 2009, 06:12 PM:name=regfootball)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (regfootball @ Nov 7 2009, 06:12 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=553193"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->the sides look too much like a Hyundai which should not be the point.

I too think we need the 3 door and 5 door to round this out. the 3 door is sexy. the 5 door is sleek. this thing is frumpy. at least they seem to have kept the opel interior, albeit the detroit beancounters will probably choose to slath it in cheap north american plastic with huge panel gaps.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

I can't imagine Americans buying Buick hatchbacks here...I would assume this will be only in sedan form w/ an automatic.

if you look at the images on the 2010 opel astra group on FB....there is even a nice hypothesis of the astra wagon. if buick is shooting at vw like they are with the regal, then the buick compact line should echo the golf/jetta....hb, wagons, etc, sedans.....including a full range of engines and trannies...including manuals.....

Edited December 11, 2009 by regfootball

[Croc]

I actually like the eyebrows...it definitely evokes the old sheetmetal "brows" of vintage Buicks.

[regfootball]

the more and more i see of the sedan and the more pics i see of the hatch, i'll be really upset if we don't get the hatch. the sedan looks tidy enough, but it simply doesn't look very upscale. it looks like a fancier elantra. the hatch has an interesting rear that is nicer than the golf and has a style all its own. i don't want the sedan, i want the hatch. there is no excuse to not make this a full line offering and bring the hatches too. sedan, hatches, wagon. i can even get an elantra wagon. so this should not be difficult.

[pow]

Space efficient hatchbacks never make good-looking sedans, IMO. The Fiesta sedan, Jetta, Versa, Impreza, etc... they all look too tall and three-box as notchbacks. The Cruze has a better profile because it was designed to be four-door only.

This new baby Buick... well, I wish it didn't have the LaCrosse front end. I prefer the Regal's approach, with a more subdued grill and no portholes. They're not fooling old school Buick owners... so why even bother?

[ocnblu]

Expressive, Buick DNA is what is needed in these cars to differentiate them from run-of-the mill. I applaud the hood-mounted portholes, signature grille and horizontal taillamps, they give the car identity. Anonymity will get you lost in the marketplace. The Regal needs the portholes in the hood, as well, to tie the family together.

Buick styling DNA is much more attractive than anything at Acura these days. Honda has ruined Acura.

[A Horse With No Name]

Agree with you there, 'blu.

Agree with you 100%.

Chris

[frogger]

Is this going to be competing with the Jetta? I'm trying to figure out what other premium compacts there are (assuming that means one step below entry lux)... Maybe a fully loaded Mazda 3 (with the HID's etc) qualifies too. I hope they don't offer a stripper version with steel wheels, no climate control, no moonroof, stability control etc.

Edited December 12, 2009 by frogger

[cire]

Expressive, Buick DNA is what is needed in these cars to differentiate them from run-of-the mill. I applaud the hood-mounted portholes, signature grille and horizontal taillamps, they give the car identity. Anonymity will get you lost in the marketplace. The Regal needs the portholes in the hood, as well, to tie the family together.

Buick styling DNA is much more attractive than anything at Acura these days. Honda has ruined Acura.

I agree. I like the Insignia and I like the U.S. version of the Regal based off that car, but I don't think GM went far enough to make it a Buick. GM simply put a Buick grille in the existing Opel Insignia grille opening and called it a day. The shape and execution of the grille on the new Regal doesn't fit with the grille treatments on the Enclave, LaCrosse, and this new compact Buick sedan. This may be the point, as GM is trying to market the new Regal as more of a sports sedan than a traditional Buick, but I still think it looks a little odd when it is sitting next to the other Buick products. I also agree with you that the new Regal needs ventiports on the hood somewhere to make it more of a Buick. Of course, I still think the Insignia would have made a better Pontiac Grand Prix (the Commodore would have been christened "Bonneville") than a Regal, but I guess that point is mute. To me, Pontiac and Buick could have had a relationship somewhat similar in concept to the one that I proposed for Mercury and Lincoln (with some exceptions) in the Mercury section of this forum (Oh well...). To me, GM is trying to shoehorn some of Pontiac's image into Buick when it could have simply and effectively differentiated and targeted the brands by giving them appropriate products (most of which were, are, or going to be available in other markets outside the U.S., so an extensive development budget wouldn't be necessary).

I also agree with your statements about Buick and its appeal ratio as opposed to Acura's current design atrocities. Past Acura products might not have been revolutinary or cutting edge designs, but they certainly weren't repulsive. Honda and Acura have certainly not been my favorite brands in the past, but their recent urge to embrace a rather unappealing design aesthetic has definitely eliminated them from my consideration.

Edited December 12, 2009 by cire

[pow]

I agree. I like the Insignia and I like the U.S. version of the Regal based off that car, but I don't think GM went far enough to make it a Buick. GM simply put a Buick grille in the existing Opel Insignia grille opening and called it a day. The shape and execution of the grille on the new Regal doesn't fit with the grille treatments on the Enclave, LaCrosse, and this new compact Buick sedan. This may be the point, as GM is trying to market the new Regal as more of a sports sedan than a traditional Buick, but I still think it looks a little odd when it is sitting next to the other Buick products. I also agree with you that the new Regal needs ventiports on the hood somewhere to make it more of a Buick. Of course, I still think the Insignia would have made a better Pontiac Grand Prix (the Commodore would have been christened "Bonneville") than a Regal, but I guess that point is mute. To me, Pontiac and Buick could have had a relationship somewhat similar in concept to the one that I proposed for Mercury and Lincoln (with some exceptions) in the Mercury section of this forum (Oh well...). To me, GM is trying to shoehorn some of Pontiac's image into Buick when it could have simply and effectively differentiated and targeted the brands by giving them appropriate products (most of which were, are, or going to be available in other markets outside the U.S., so an extensive development budget wouldn't be necessary).

I also agree with your statements about Buick and its appeal ratio as opposed to Acura's current design atrocities. Past Acura products might not have been revolutinary or cutting edge designs, but they certainly weren't repulsive. Honda and Acura have certainly not been my favorite brands in the past, but their recent urge to embrace a rather unappealing design aesthetic has definitely eliminated them from my consideration.

The Regal is for people who don't like the other Buicks. Personally, I think the LaCrosse is a monstrosity, so I'm glad they didn't ruin the Insignia just so it can share the same face as its fugly family members.

[mustang84]

I agree. I like the Insignia and I like the U.S. version of the Regal based off that car, but I don't think GM went far enough to make it a Buick. GM simply put a Buick grille in the existing Opel Insignia grille opening and called it a day. The shape and execution of the grille on the new Regal doesn't fit with the grille treatments on the Enclave, LaCrosse, and this new compact Buick sedan. This may be the point, as GM is trying to market the new Regal as more of a sports sedan than a traditional Buick, but I still think it looks a little odd when it is sitting next to the other Buick products. I also agree with you that the new Regal needs ventiports on the hood somewhere to make it more of a Buick. Of course, I still think the Insignia would have made a better Pontiac Grand Prix (the Commodore would have been christened "Bonneville") than a Regal, but I guess that point is mute. To me, Pontiac and Buick could have had a relationship somewhat similar in concept to the one that I proposed for Mercury and Lincoln (with some exceptions) in the Mercury section of this forum (Oh well...). To me, GM is trying to shoehorn some of Pontiac's image into Buick when it could have simply and effectively differentiated and targeted the brands by giving them appropriate products (most of which were, are, or going to be available in other markets outside the U.S., so an extensive development budget wouldn't be necessary).

I also agree with your statements about Buick and its appeal ratio as opposed to Acura's current design atrocities. Past Acura products might not have been revolutinary or cutting edge designs, but they certainly weren't repulsive. Honda and Acura have certainly not been my favorite brands in the past, but their recent urge to embrace a rather unappealing design aesthetic has definitely eliminated them from my consideration.

I think future Buicks need to be shaped more like the Regal, and less like the hefty LaCrosse. The LaCrosse has nice details, but the body is fat and ungainly.

[hyperv6]

I prefer the Regal's approach, with a more subdued grill and no portholes. They're not fooling old school Buick owners... so why even bother?

I too like the Regals smaller grill and no port holes.

The trend of the last coupe years with fake port holes stuck on about every kind of car with 24" wheels kinda of cheapened them.

[regfootball]

The Regal is for people who don't like the other Buicks. Personally, I think the LaCrosse is a monstrosity, so I'm glad they didn't ruin the Insignia just so it can share the same face as its fugly family members.

the LaCrosse is for the older set and the Lexus bangers.

the Regal is for those who might intend a German car. Makes sense since its a German car.

that is my anology with this Buick compact. It should compete vs. the VW Golf / Jetta line. which is WHY it needs ALL the body styles. Regal needs it too.

[ocnblu]

I read somewhere VW will make a coupe version of the next Jetta, we haven't seen that since... Jetta Mk I? I don't remember a Mk II Jetta 2-door right now.

[Robert Hall]

I read somewhere VW will make a coupe version of the next Jetta, we haven't seen that since... Jetta Mk I? I don't remember a Mk II Jetta 2-door right now.

There was one, but I haven't seen one in ages... '85-89.

[Robert Hall]

There was one, but I haven't seen one in ages... I read that rumor also somewhere..so if there is a new Jetta coupe, it will sort of replace 50% of the Eos, which is the current Golf/Jetta based coupe, sort of?

IIRC, wasn't the 4th gen ('99+) shown in 2dr form as a concept?

Edited December 13, 2009 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[ocnblu]

I believe you're right, I do now vaguely remember a Mk IV Jetta coupe concept. And thanks for posting that ol' blue one, my memory is now refreshed.

[RjION]

If it's another 1.8L slug like the Saturn Astra and what it looks like the Cruze will be ....... they can keep it.